Two techniques tested by researchers at Heidelberg University help most people. For tablets, use the pop-bottle method: seal your lips around a water bottle and drink. For capsules, use the lean-forward technique: take a sip of water and swallow with your head tipped forward, because capsules float. In the study, about 60% and nearly 90% of people found them helpful.
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Why pills get stuck
Trouble swallowing pills is common. Dr. Walter Haefeli, a pharmacology researcher at the University of Heidelberg, estimates that almost one-third of people find it difficult, and some skip doses because of it. His team tested two simple techniques on 150 people who struggled with large pills, published in the Annals of Family Medicine.
Method 1: the pop-bottle method (for tablets)
Designed for large, dense tablets that sink.
- Fill a flexible plastic water bottle.
- Put the tablet on your tongue.
- Close your lips tightly around the bottle opening.
- Drink with a sucking motion, keeping your lips sealed, and swallow straight away.
About 60% of people in the study felt it helped.
Method 2: the lean-forward technique (for capsules)
Capsules are lighter than water, so they float. If you tip your head back, they float toward your teeth. Leaning forward sends them toward your throat instead.
- Put the capsule on your tongue.
- Take a medium sip of water, but don’t swallow yet.
- Tilt your head forward, chin toward your chest.
- Swallow with your head bent forward.
Almost 90% of people in the study liked this method.
More tips that help
- Sip water first to wet your mouth and throat.
- Sit or stand upright, not lying down.
- Take one pill at a time.
- Try a swallowing gel or a pill cup, which some people find helpful.
Can you split or crush a vitamin?
Only if the label or a pharmacist says it’s OK. Some tablets have special coatings, and capsules aren’t meant to be opened unless the label says so. A scored tablet (with a line across it) is usually designed to be split. Ask a pharmacist about anything else.
If pills still don’t work
Smaller capsules, chewables, powders or liquids are all options. Gummies are easiest to take, but have trade-offs; see gummy vitamins vs pills. Some people also find vegetarian capsules easier to swallow than large tablets; see vegetarian vs gelatin capsules.
A small cup designed to help pills go down with water. An inexpensive aid for people who gag on tablets.
Browse pill-swallowing cups on Amazon →For splitting scored tablets in half, only when your label or pharmacist says splitting is fine.
Browse pill cutters on Amazon →
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to swallow a pill?
Two tested methods help: the pop-bottle method for tablets (drinking from a bottle with lips sealed) and the lean-forward technique for capsules (swallowing with your head tipped forward).
Why do capsules get stuck in my throat?
Capsules float on water. If you tip your head back, they float toward your teeth instead of your throat. Leaning forward helps.
Can I crush my vitamins?
Only if the label or a pharmacist says it’s safe. Some tablets have coatings that shouldn’t be broken.
Is it normal to have trouble swallowing pills?
Yes. Researchers estimate almost a third of people find it difficult. If you also have trouble swallowing food, see a doctor.
What can I take instead of large vitamin pills?
Smaller capsules, chewables, powders, liquids or gummies. Each has trade-offs, so compare the labels.
Sources
- NPR via GBH: The pop-bottle and lean-forward methods (Annals of Family Medicine study)
- NPR via WFDD: Why capsules float
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.